Shoulder Joint - Anatomy Pictures and Information Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Arm and Hand > Shoulder Joint Shoulder Joint The most flexible joint in the entire human body, our shoulder joint is formed by the union of the humerus, the scapula (or shoulder blade), and the clavicle (or collarbone). Commonly thought of as a single joint, the shoulder is actually made up of two separate joints - the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints. These two joints work together to allow the arm both to circumduct in a large circle and to rotate around its axis at the shoulder. The glenohumeral joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed between the articulation of the rounded head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) and the cup-like depression of the scapula, called the glenoid fossa.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image Shoulder Joint, Posterior (Back) Full Shoulder Joint Description [Continued from above] . . .

The glenoid fossa forms a very shallow socket, so the muscles, ligaments, and cartilage of the shoulder joint reinforce its structure and help to prevent dislocations. A ring of cartilage known as the labrum surrounds the glenoid fossa to extend the size of the socket while maintaining flexibility. To further reinforce the shoulder, the four muscles of the rotator cuff extend from the scapula and surround the head of the humerus to both rotate the arm and prevent dislocation. The acromioclavicular joint is formed by an articulation between the lateral end of the clavicle and the acromion process of the scapula. It is a flat, gliding joint that gives the shoulder joint additional flexibility that would not be possible with just the glenohumeral joint. Although both of these joints are held together by extensive ligament and muscle attachments, certain types of force can easily weaken the shoulder. The shoulder joint is vulnerable to dislocations from sudden jerks of the arm, especially in children before strong muscles have developed. Dislocation of the shoulder is extremely painful and may require surgical repair or even cause permanent damage.

Chronic or acute wear and tear on the glenohumeral joint can lead to the painful tearing of the tendons of the rotator cuff or a torn labrum. Both of these conditions are very painful and may require surgery to remove or reattach the torn tissue. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Shoulder blade | Define Shoulder blade at Dictionary.com shoulder blade Examples from the Web for shoulder blade Expand Historical Examples The King of Bavaria, by the way, has been operated upon for a swelling of the shoulder blade. The American Credo George Jean Nathan There was a deep wound in his back, just below the shoulder blade. The Treasure Trail Marah Ellis Ryan Fortunately, the broad-bladed arrow had struck the shoulder blade, which saved the vitals. British Dictionary definitions for shoulder blade Expand the nontechnical name for scapula Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.

1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments - Medical News Today Frozen Shoulder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Written by Caroline Gillott 4 361 32 Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition in which the articular shoulder capsule (a sac of ligaments surrounding the joint) swells and stiffens, restricting its mobility. It typically affects only one shoulder, but one in five cases affect both. The term "frozen shoulder" is often used incorrectly for arthritis , even though the two conditions are unrelated. Frozen shoulder refers specifically to the shoulder joint, while arthritis may refer to other/multiple joints. The shoulder has a spheroidal joint (ball - and - socket joint), in which the round part of one bone fits into the concavity of another. The proximal humerus (round head of the upper arm bone) fits into socket of the scapula (shoulder blade).

Frozen shoulder is thought to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, which makes the shoulder joint's capsule (not to be confused with the rotator cuff) thicken and tighten, leaving less room for movement. Therefore, movement may be stiff and even painful. The modern English words "adhesive capsulitis" are derived from the Latin words adhaerens meaning "sticking to" and capsula meaning "little container" and the Greek word itis meaning " inflammation ". Frozen shoulder is a condition that commonly occurs in people between 40 and 60 years of age. Women tend to suffer with frozen shoulder more than men. Causes of frozen shoulder The cause of frozen shoulder is not fully understood and in some cases is unidentifiable. However, most people with frozen shoulder have suffered from immobility as a result of a recent injury or fracture . The condition is common in people with diabetes . Risk factors for frozen shoulder A risk factor is something that elevates the risk of developing a disease or condition. For example, smoking is a risk factor for cancer - it elevates the risk of developing lung cancer .

Common risk factors for frozen shoulder are: You're more likely to suffer from frozen shoulder if you're female and over 40 years of age. Age - being over 40 years of age. Gender - 70% of people with frozen shoulder are women. Recent surgery or arm fracture - immobility of recovery may cause the shoulder capsule to stiffen. Diabetes - two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder for unknown reasons; symptoms may be more severe. Having suffered a stroke . Parkinson's disease . Symptoms of frozen shoulder A symptom is something the patient feels and/or reports, while a sign is something others, including the doctor observe. For example, pain is usually a symptom, while a rash could be a sign. The most pervasive sign or symptom of frozen shoulder is a persistently painful and stiff shoulder joint. Signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder develop gradually; usually in three stages in which signs and symptoms worsen gradually and resolve within a two - year period. There are three stages of frozen shoulder: Painful stage - the shoulder becomes stiff and then very painful with movement. Movement becomes limited. Pain typically worsens at night. Frozen/adhesive stage - the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, severely limiting range of motion.

Pain may not diminish, but it does not usually worsen. Thawing stage - movement in the shoulder begins to improve. Pain may fade, but occasionally recur. On the next page we look at how frozen shoulder is diagnosed, the available treatment options for the condition and the ways in which frozen shoulder can be prevented. Broken Shoulder Synonyms and Keywords Broken Shoulder Blade Overview The scapula or shoulder blade is a bony structure found on the upper back that connects the upper arm to the chest wall (thorax). It also forms the socket part of the shoulder joint connecting the upper arm (humerus) to the socket (glenoid). The acromion and coracoid processes are bony bumps found on the upper part of the scapula, and they function to connect the scapula to the collarbone. The scapula is surrounded by thick layers of muscle that are responsible for the smooth movement of the shoulder joint. The shoulder blade (scapula) is rarely broken (broken bones are also called fractures ). Of all bone breaks, shoulder blade breaks occur less than 1% of the time.

Scapular fractures occur more often in young men ages 25 to 45 because of the activities and trauma they encounter. These occur with athletic activities, motor vehicle accidents, and other forms of blunt trauma. Broken shoulder blades are often caused by heavy forces that might also include severe injuries to the chest, lungs , and internal organs. Fractures (breaks) have been reported at many areas along the scapula. Broken Shoulder Blade Causes Scapular fractures are caused by direct trauma involving a large amount of force or violence. Associated injuries to chest wall, lungs, and shoulder occur in up to 80% of people with broken shoulder blades. Common causes of broken shoulder blades include the following: Motor vehicle accidents Falls with direct trauma to the shoulder Falls onto an outstretched arm Direct trauma such as from a baseball bat or hammer Broken Shoulder Blade Symptoms Pain, swelling, and bruising may occur over the shoulder blade in the upper back or on the top of the shoulder overlying the coracoid and acromion processes.

Other signs of a broken shoulder blade may include: Holding the injured arm close to the body Moving the arm increases the pain Inability to lift the arm Having pain with each deep breath due to movement of the chest wall with each breath; this movement may in turn move the shoulder blade, causing pain. Shoulder appears flattened or deformed When to Seek Medical Care Call your doctor if you notice any of these conditions: Pain with movement of the shoulder Swelling of the shoulder Bruising around the shoulder If shoulder pain fails to improve within 3-5 days Significant trauma to the shoulder, chest wall, back, or neck can cause severe injuries and should be evaluated in a hospital's emergency department. If you experience any of the following with an injury, call 911 for an ambulance immediately: Shortness of breath Go to the emergency department for evaluation if you experience the following: Severe pain or deformity of the shoulder Inability to move the shoulder or arm Weakness , numbness, or persistent tingling in the injured arm Exams and Tests A doctor will be able to diagnose a broken shoulder blade after a thorough physical examination and imaging. Shoulder and chest X-rays are taken. CT scans of the abdomen and chest are sometimes indicated to evaluate other injuries.

MRI or CT scans of the shoulder are sometimes needed to diagnose fractures of the shoulder socket (glenoid). Fractures of the scapula are sometimes discovered during extensive evaluations after major trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or direct trauma. Broken Shoulder Blade Treatment Self-Care at Home Because shoulder blade fractures are often associated with severe, potentially life-threatening injuries, they should be evaluated in a hospital's emergency department. Immobilize the arm immediately. Don't move it. This can be accomplished with a sling looped over the neck and the bent elbow, which holds the affected arm close to the body. Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, and avoid direct contact of the ice to the skin . Medical Treatment The goal of treatment is to maintain function of the shoulder. Most fractures of the body of the scapula are treated without surgery. Ice is used for swelling, and pain medications are used for pain control. The shoulder is immobilized in a shoulder sling for 3-4 weeks until the pain goes away. Surgery Surgical treatment may be needed for certain types of scapular fractures, mostly those involving the shoulder socket (glenoid) or neck of the shoulder blade.

Early consultation with an orthopedic surgeon (a surgeon who specializes in bone injuries) will help determine what course of treatment is best for you. Other Therapy Early physical therapy with exercises designed to improve the range of shoulder motion usually is started about one week after the injury. It is important to start these exercises early to avoid a frozen shoulder . A loss of motion in the shoulder can occur if the shoulder is not used for a prolonged period. Next Steps Follow-up Broken shoulder blades should receive ongoing treatment by an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine specialist to ensure proper healing. Follow the instructions you are given when you leave the hospital and avoid potential trauma while recovering. Pain medications and immobilization will likely be needed to control pain while early in the recovery period. Prevention Broken shoulder blades can be prevented by avoiding high-risk activities such as the following: Activities with potential for falls from significant heights such as rock climbing, hang-gliding, or skydiving Contact sports Driving without a seatbelt Outlook Most fractures of the shoulder blade heal without complications within 6-8 weeks. Fractures that involve the shoulder socket or scapular neck develop more complications.

Complications may include the following: Loss of range of motion Loss of strength Early arthritis Many people with scapular fractures have other serious injuries, and their prognosis depends on the nature of these other injuries. Synonyms and Keywords Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2010 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems This article is also available in Spanish: Dolor de hombro y problemas comunes del hombro Dolor de hombro y problemas comunes del hombro (topic.cfm?topic=A00704). What most people call the shoulder is really several joints that combine with tendons and muscles to allow a wide range of motion in the arm — from scratching your back to throwing the perfect pitch. Mobility has its price, however. It may lead to increasing problems with instability or impingement of the soft tissue or bony structures in your shoulder, resulting in pain. You may feel pain only when you move your shoulder, or all of the time. The pain may be temporary or it may continue and require medical diagnosis and treatment. This article explains some of the common causes of shoulder pain, as well as some general treatment options.

Your doctor can give you more detailed information about your shoulder pain. Anatomy This simplified illustration of the shoulder highlights the major components of the joint. Your shoulder is made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus), your shoulder blade (scapula), and your collarbone (clavicle). The head of your upper arm bone fits into a rounded socket in your shoulder blade. This socket is called the glenoid. A combination of muscles and tendons keeps your arm bone centered in your shoulder socket. These tissues are called the rotator cuff. They cover the head of your upper arm bone and attach it to your shoulder blade. Other much less common causes of shoulder pain are tumors, infection, and nerve-related problems. Bursitis Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that are located in joints throughout the body, including the shoulder. They act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, and help reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone. Sometimes, excessive use of the shoulder leads to inflammation and swelling of the bursa between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade known as the acromion. The result is a condition known as subacromial bursitis.

Bursitis often occurs in association with rotator cuff tendinitis. The many tissues in the shoulder can become inflamed and painful. Many daily activities, such as combing your hair or getting dressed, may become difficult. Tendinitis A tendon is a cord that connects muscle to bone. Most tendinitis is a result of a wearing down of the tendon that occurs slowly over time, much like the wearing process on the sole of a shoe that eventually splits from overuse. Generally, tendinitis is one of two types: Acute. Excessive ball throwing or other overhead activities during work or sport can lead to acute tendinitis. Chronic. Degenerative diseases like arthritis or repetitive wear and tear due to age, can lead to chronic tendinitis. The most commonly affected tendons in the shoulder are the four rotator cuff tendons and one of the biceps tendons. The rotator cuff is made up of four small muscles and their tendons that cover the head of your upper arm bone and keep it in the shoulder socket. Your rotator cuff helps provide shoulder motion and stability.

Tendon Tears Splitting and tearing of tendons may result from acute injury or degenerative changes in the tendons due to advancing age, long-term overuse and wear and tear, or a sudden injury. These tears may be partial or may completely split the tendon into two pieces. In most cases of complete tears, the tendon is pulled away from its attachment to the bone. Rotator cuff and biceps tendon injuries are among the most common of these injuries. Impingement Shoulder impingement occurs when the top of the shoulder blade (acromion) puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted away from the body. As the arm is lifted, the acromion rubs, or "impinges" on, the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. This can lead to bursitis and tendinitis, causing pain and limiting movement. Over time, severe impingement can even lead to a rotator cuff tear. Instability Shoulder instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can happen as a result of a sudden injury or from overuse. Shoulder dislocations can be partial, with the ball of the upper arm coming just partially out of the socket.

This is called a subluxation. A complete dislocation means the ball comes all the way out of the socket. Once the ligaments, tendons, and muscles around the shoulder become loose or torn, dislocations can occur repeatedly. Recurring dislocations, which may be partial or complete, cause pain and unsteadiness when you raise your arm or move it away from your body. Repeated episodes of subluxations or dislocations lead to an increased risk of developing arthritis in the joint. Arthritis Shoulder pain can also result from arthritis. There are many types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis in the shoulder is osteoarthritis, also known as "wear and tear" arthritis. Symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and stiffness, typically begin during middle age. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and the pain it causes worsens over time. Osteoarthritis, may be related to sports or work injuries and chronic wear and tear. Other types of arthritis can be related to rotator cuff tears, infection, or an inflammation of the joint lining. Often people will avoid shoulder movements in an attempt to lessen arthritis pain.

This sometimes leads to a tightening or stiffening of the soft tissue parts of the joint, resulting in a painful restriction of motion. Fracture Fractures are broken bones. Shoulder fractures commonly involve the clavicle (collarbone), humerus (upper arm bone), and scapula (shoulder blade). Shoulder fractures in older patients are often the result of a fall from standing height. In younger patients, shoulder fractures are often caused by a high energy injury, such as a motor vehicle accident or contact sports injury. Fractures often cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising about the shoulder. Top of page Doctor's Examination In the case of an acute injury causing intense pain, seek medical care as soon as possible. If the pain is less severe, it may be safe to rest a few days to see if time will resolve the problem. If symptoms persist, see a doctor. Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine the cause of your shoulder pain and provide you with treatment options. Medical History The first step in the evaluation is a thorough medical history.

Your doctor may ask how and when the pain started, whether it has occurred before and how it was treated, and other questions to help determine both your general health and the possible causes of your shoulder problem. Because most shoulder conditions are aggravated by specific activities, and relieved by specific activities, a medical history can be a valuable tool in finding the source of your pain. Physical Examination A comprehensive examination will be required to find the causes of your shoulder pain. Your doctor will look for physical abnormalities, swelling, deformity or muscle weakness, and check for tender areas. He or she will observe your shoulder range of motion and strength. Tests Your doctor may order specific tests to help identify the cause of your pain and any other problems. X-rays. These pictures will show any injuries to the bones that make up your shoulder joint. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound. Thes imaging studies create better pictures of soft tissues. It may help your doctor identify injuries to the ligaments and tendons surrounding your shoulder joint. Computed tomography (CT) scan. This tool combines x-rays with computer technology to produce a very detailed view of the bones in the shoulder area. Electrical studies.

Your doctor may order a tests, such as the EMG (electromyogram), to evaluate nerve function. Arthrogram. During this x-ray study, dye is injected into the shoulder to better show the joint and its surrounding muscles and tendons. Arthroscopy. In this surgical procedure, your doctor looks inside the joint with a fiber-optic camera. Arthroscopy may show soft tissue injuries that are not apparent from the physical examination, x-rays, and other tests. In addition to helping find the cause of pain, arthroscopy may be used to correct the problem. Treatment Activity Changes Treatment generally involves rest, altering your activities, and physical therapy to help you improve shoulder strength and flexibility. Common sense solutions such as avoiding overexertion or overdoing activities in which you normally do not participate can help to prevent shoulder pain. Medications Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and pain. If medication is prescribed to relieve pain, it should be taken only as directed. Your doctor may also recommend injections of numbing medicines or steroids to relieve pain.

Surgery Surgery may be required to resolve some shoulder problems; however, 90 percent of patients with shoulder pain will respond to simple treatment methods such as altering activities, rest, exercise, and medication. Certain types of shoulder problems, such as recurring dislocations and some rotator cuff tears, may not benefit from exercise. In these cases, surgery may be recommended fairly early. Surgery can involve arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or repair torn tissues, or traditional, open procedures for larger reconstructions or shoulder replacement. Help With Posture For Seniors And The Elderly; Shoulder Blade Squeeze - Eldergym® Senior Fitness Eldergym® Senior Fitness Help With Posture For Seniors And The Elderly; Shoulder Blade Squeeze (Scroll down for more exercise videos) Do you need help with posture for seniors and the elderly? To make sure your exercising is effective it is important to maintain good posture habits during your sitting and standing exercises. No matter how well you perform your arm or leg exercises, if your posture is faulty your outcome may not be as good. When sitting try to position your lower spine in a neutral position by bringing your pelvis forward and backward until a comfortable middle position is achieved.

Then bring your mid spine into neutral by moving your ribs and chest into a comfortable position. Finally move your chin forward and back until a comfortable position is attained. When your spine feels nicely positioned in the chair, tighten up your abdomen and lift your ribs to begin your exercise session. A great exercise to help correct faulty posture is the shoulder blade squeeze exercise below. This is a great exercise to position your shoulders correctly below your ears and help bring your spine into a comfortable neutral posture. Need help with posture? Give it a try! Purpose of this exercise Helps position your spine in a comfortable neutral position. Corrects faulty posture by positioning your shoulders below your ears. How to do it Stand with your arms comfortably at your sides. Try to find a neutral spine position for your pelvis and mid back. Step 2 Begin by bringing your shoulders back, then squeezing your shoulder blades together. Relax and return to the resting position. Repeat 10 times. Breathing Inhale as you bring your shoulders back, lifting the ribs. Exhale as you relax into the resting position, dropping your shoulders. Tips Try not to arch your back when bringing your shoulders back. If it is hard to maintain good spinal posture when standing, try this exercise in the sitting position.

If you experience pain when squeezing your shoulder blades together, stop and relax your back. Try lying on a hot pack or stretching your shoulders before beginning again. Take it up a notch For the adventurous exerciser who needs help with posture, try this exercise while lying on your tummy. To do this, place a pillow under your chest and relax letting your shoulders come forward. Then slowly bring your shoulders back and together while bringing your head up at the same time. This is a great spinal extension exercise also. Try these other posture exercises - Watch These Exercise Videos Improve the flexibility of your ribs to assist in breathing. Increase your ability to lift the ribs and bring the shoulders back into proper position. Helps correct faulty posture by bringing the spine into neutral, shoulders and chin back. Assists in the flexibility of the chest, improving respiration and lung functioning. Provides good feedback on correcting faulty posture habits. Strengthens the cervical retracting muscles for better support of good posture. Improve the flexibility of your shoulders and rib cage. Helps bring your spine into a better erect posture. This is a great exercise to do to "set" your spine and shoulders during the day. Helps position your spine in a comfortable neutral position.

Corrects faulty posture by positioning your shoulders below your ears. Helps bring your lower back into correct posture. Strengthens your pelvis and buttock muscles. Sore Shoulder Treatment: Relieve the Pain With 5 Stretches | CalorieBee Sore Shoulder Treatment: Relieve the Pain With 5 Stretches Sore Shoulder Treatment: Relieve the Pain With 5 Stretches Updated on November 07, 2016 Joined: 3 years agoFollowers: 10Articles: 7 Five stretches for sore shoulders Advertisement Sore or Stiff Between the Shoulder Blades? Are your shoulders sore from exercise or sitting hunched over your computer day in and day out? If so, what you're actually feeling are the rhomboid major and minor muscles, which enable the shoulder blade to move. These muscles attach shoulder blades to the thoracic wall. The purpose of these muscles is to stabilize the shoulder blades, pulling them downward and together. These small muscles also help maintain proper posture and keep the shoulders from dropping forward. As a result of constant use, these muscles can easily become sore and tense, especially if you sit in a hunched or slouched position all day behind a desk.

5 Easy At-Work Stretches for Sore Shoulders Stretch Either facing or standing perpendicular to the wall, walk your fingers up the wall. 2. Door Handle Stretch Grasp a secure, waist-level object and step back until your body is perpendicular to your legs. 3. Door Frame Stretch Place forearms vertically on the door frame and lean forward. 4. Arms-Behind-Back Stretch Clasp hands behind your back and lift arms. 5. Overhead Arm Stretch Reach up with both arms and grab one elbow with the opposite hand. Pull elbow over and downward. Repeat with other elbow. See detailed instructions and photos below. Advertisement When you feel as though your shoulders are strained, these are the two muscles that are in pain. | Source Advertisement Other Possible Causes In addition to postural causes, sore shoulders and painful shoulder blades can also be caused by a variety of conditions. A strain from physical activity, tendonitis from overuse, a pinched nerve, or shoulder-joint instability may also be the cause. When to Seek Professional Help: In the majority of cases, the pain is caused simply by posture or overexertion. Occasionally, more serious conditions can also cause this type of pain.

If you are experiencing more severe pains in this area, then it can also be indicative of a heart attack or gallstones. Consequently, you must see a doctor or other health professional to get checked out properly. It is highly likely that it is nothing serious, but it's better to be safe than sorry! You should also see a doctor if you have a shoulder injury accompanied by severe pain, sudden swelling, or the inability to raise your arm above your shoulder. Five Stretches If your rhomboid muscles have become sore and tense because of a lot of exertion or bad posture, you should try the following shoulder blade stretches to help alleviate your aches and pains. 1. Wall Stretch For the wall stretch, walk your fingers up the wall. You can do this stretch both with your body facing the wall and with your body perpendicular to the wall. Advertisement The name for this stretch is a bit of a give away. It's a very easy, but effective, stretch to complete and will help loosen your muscles. You can do this first stretch one arm at a time or with both arms simultaneously. Face a flat wall in a standing position, while making sure that you are far enough from the wall so only your fingers come into contact with it.

Now let your fingers climb up the wall while walking towards it slowly. Ultimately, this will raise your hands and stretch your fingers as far up as possible while you will be standing as close as you can to the wall. Advertisement 2. Door Handle Stretch For the door handle stretch, grasp a secured waist-level object and step back until your body is bent perpendicular from your legs, with your arms reached before you. Again, this is a really easy shoulder blade stretch that you can do with a chair, door handle, or towel rail. Grab hold of your chosen object with both hands while standing in front of it. Now lean toward the object but do not move your arms, and step backwards slowly while maintaining a firm grip on the object. This will ultimately bend your torso at a 90 degree angle and will extend your arms completely. If you chose to use a door handle (and the door is closed) then this can be useful as you can apply a bit more stretch to your shoulders than you could with a moveable object. 3. Door Frame Stretch For this shoulder stretch, vertically place your forearms on the door frame and lean forward. This particular stretch concentrates on each side of the shoulder one at a time.

This means you will have to complete this stretch on one side first, then repeat it on the other side. This way you will be able to equally stretch both sides. Stand in an open doorway and raise your arm at 90 degree angles out from your sides. Position your arms like goal posts, with your forearms pointing upwards at a 90-degree angle from your upper arm. The vertical part of your arm should be placed against the door-frame. Lean forward and take really gentle half steps. This stretch can be beneficial not only for curing pain between your shoulder blades but also for stretching out your chest and upper back. 4. Arms-Behind-Back Stretch For the arms-behind-back stretch, clasp your hands behind you and lift your arms. Keep your back straight and extend both your hands behind your body while keeping them clasped together. Gently lift your hands toward the ceiling and maintain this position for at least 20 seconds as you stretch your shoulder blades to the max. Return to the initial position gently and repeat until you feel relief in your shoulder blades. 5. Overhead Arm Stretch For the overhead arm stretch, reach both arms up and grab one elbow with your other hand. Pull the elbow over and downward.

This is probably one of my favorite shoulder stretches as it is one of the best quick fixes to relieve tension in your shoulders and get rid of some of that stiffness. Basically you take each arm one at a time and raise it above your head. Then bend the arm at the elbow so that your hand and forearm go behind your head and touch your opposite shoulder. The more you can push your elbow in and slide your hand down your upper back, the more you will feel this stretch. The main benefits of this exercise is to stretch the posterior deltoid muscle, together with the triceps. Once you have done this for one side, make sure you also stretch the other side to ensure they are stretched evenly. Other Home Methods for Treatment Besides stretching, there are a handful of other home remedies that can be helpful: Anti-inflammatory medication or a pain reliever. Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol can help reduce the pain. Ice. Wrap an ice pack or frozen peas in a dish cloth and apply it to the pain. This is especially helpful for pain caused by recent overexertion. Heat pad, warm towel, or hot water bottle. Applying heat to sore muscles can help relieve the pain.

Be careful, especially with the hot water bottle, that the heat source is not too hot for your skin. If it is too hot, you can wrap it in a dish cloth so that it does not touch your skin directly. Conclusion If you ever feel like your shoulder blades and muscles feel sore or tensed, you can perform any of the above shoulder blade stretches to provide quick relief. For long-term relief, you will want to look at what the causal factors are of your aches and pains, whether it be bad posture or over-use. In the case of bad posture, you can look at getting a more ergonomic chair, keyboard, and desk ( see these tips ). Taking breaks regularly is also important, as is undertaking a regime of strengthening exercises in addition to your stretches. These will help you build up muscular strength and stability, which will minimise the soreness that develops in your shoulders. Of course, if you have a high level of pain, it may indicate something more serious, so don't ignore your body. If you are in pain, you should see a medical practitioner. Thanks for reading. I hope this article has given you a few useful ideas to help alleviate your shoulder pain.

Advertisement Right Shoulder Blade Pain | MD-Health.com Right Shoulder Blade Pain Right Shoulder Blade Pain Right shoulder blade pain is a common occurrence but self-diagnosis is problematic. Serious and potentially life threatening illness can cause right shoulder blade pain and only a doctor can adequately rule out more serious causes. Pain is the body's messenger signaling a potential problem that deserves our attention. Pain in certain areas of the body is more significant and avoiding any delay in seeking medical care is important. Right shoulder blade pain can be caused by a range of processes ranging from the non-worrisome benign to life threatening. Causes of Right Shoulder Blade Pain A variety of illness and diseases result in right shoulder blade pain and self-diagnosing is dangerous. Gallbladder Attack The gallbladder is located under the liver in the upper right area of the abdomen. It functions to help digest dietary fat. Females, those over forty year of age and obese persons may be prone to gallstones and subsequent painful gallbladder attacks. The pain is intense in generally occurs after eating a fatty or fried meal. The pain from these attacks can radiate to the right shoulder. Gallstones are most commonly treated by surgical removal of the gallbladder.

This procedure is performed by a surgeon who makes several small incisions in the abdomen. Then using a camera and special surgical tools is able to remove the gallbladder. The recovery using this method (laproscopic) requires less time than the classic large incision. Heart Attack A heart attack is caused by blockage of blood vessels supplying the heart. Pain can radiate to a variety of locations including the right shoulder. The pain can also be felt in the neck, jaw or left shoulder. Tearing or ripping type pain can radiate to the shoulder or back and can signify that the large blood vessel coming off the heart (aorta) is tearing. Both of these problems are life threatening and require immediate emergency care. Call 911 immediately. The treatment for a heart attack involves medications and often specialized procedure to open the blocked heart vessels (heart catheterization). Some cases require open-heart surgery to bypass and replace the blocked blood vessels. Tears in the aorta are treated with surgical repair. Liver Diseases Inflammation, infection and damage to the liver can produce pain under the right shoulder blade. Bacterial infections can produce pockets of pus in the liver. This results in pain, fever and often a general feeling of illness.

Liver cancer can also spread to other areas of the body resulting in pain being felt in the right shoulder. Cirrhosis is a permanent scarring of the liver and often results from excess alcohol consumption. Fluid may then accumulate in the abdomen and become infected. This can result in pain and at times is referred to the right shoulder or back. Infections of the liver are treated with antibiotics and if required, surgical drainage. More serious liver diseases may require a liver transplant. Breast Cancer Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Women are primarily affected, but 1% of breast cancers occur in men. Cancers can spread to a variety of locations and pain in the shoulder blade can be a sign of advanced cancer that has spread to the shoulder blade, spine, and ribs or even to the lung. Breast cancer patients with new shoulder or back pain need prompt evaluation by a doctor. Cancer also makes people more prone to blood clots. A blood clot in the lung can also result in shoulder blade pain or discomfort when breathing. This can be life threatening. Treatment options for breast cancer often entail a combined approach using surgery, drug therapy and radiation. Other therapy options include hormonal therapy.

New therapies under investigation include specialized immune therapies designed to directly attack the cancer cells. Treatment is coordinated by a medical specialist (oncologist) who will monitor and adjust treatment depending on the stage of the cancer, type and response to therapies. Arthritis Arthritis is a normal consequence of age and use. Tissues break down and wear out over time leading to pain and loss of function. It can cause a stabbing pain in around the shoulder region. Arthritic pain is generally treated with OTC non-steroidal medications such as Tylenol, ibuprofen or naproxen. Weight loss for obese persons can lesson the stress on joints and improve function. Regular exercise is important to maintain strength and mobility. Swimming and non-impact activities such as biking are a good choice for those with arthritis. Either heat or cold therapy can lessen the discomfort caused by arthritis. Devices such as crutches, canes and walkers are useful during flare-ups of pain and can improve daily functioning. Other Causes Biomechanics play an important role in shoulder blade pain. Sitting at a computer with slouched posture can result in muscle spasm and pain. Chronic changes in muscle tone and the spine can result in a pinched nerve.

This is often felt as a sharp searing pain radiating down the shoulder and arm. Some experience numbness or loss of arm strength. Ensure proper workspace ergonomics by setting up computers, desks and chairs at the correct height. Change positions frequently and periodic stretching is important for those with desk type jobs. Sleep positioning is important and having a quality supportive mattress is important in preventing shoulder, neck and back pain. Home Remedies for Right Shoulder Blade Pain Activities that cause or exacerbate shoulder blade pain should be avoided. Try OTC pain relievers such as Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or naproxen (Aleve). Apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes to decrease the pain and inflammation. For muscle spasm, heat may provide quality relief and decrease pain. Try alternating between heat and cold, as there is no right or wrong answer here; do what feels best and alleviates discomfort. When to See a Doctor Schedule a visit to the doctor if: Redness, warmth or visible swelling can signify a more serious problem and you should see your doctor. Severe pain after falling could signify a fractured bone and x-rays may be warranted. Any obvious deformity or inability to use the shoulder requires an evaluation by a doctor.

Seek emergency help or call 911 if you suffer the following conditions: Chest pain or tightness Bleeding or exposed bone or tendon after injury If feeling like passing out Recommended:

Question: What is the correct name for the shoulder blade
Answer: Scapula